KYIV, Ukraine, Feb. 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Members of the Board of Directors of Kyivstar Group Ltd (“Kyivstar Group”; Nasdaq: KYIV;KYIVW), the parent company of JSC Kyivstar, Ukraine's leading digital operator and part of VEON Group (Nasdaq: VEON), visited the company's headquarters in Kyiv on the fourth anniversary of the full-scale war to meet with Ukrainian employees and reaffirm their unwavering support for Ukraine. VEON Founder Augie K Fabela II, the 70th US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Michie ...

Core Viewpoint - Kyivstar Group Ltd. has acquired 100% of Tabletki.ua for USD 160 million, enhancing its digital services portfolio in Ukraine's healthcare sector [1][2][3] Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition was completed with a total consideration of USD 160 million, to be paid in Ukrainian hryvna [1] - Tabletki.ua is a leading digital marketplace in Ukraine for healthcare products, partnering with over 14,000 pharmacies [2][3] - The gross merchandise value (GMV) of bookings through Tabletki.ua was UAH 45 billion (USD 1,056 million) for FY2024 and UAH 57.3 billion (USD 1,191 million) for the last 12 months ending September 30, 2025 [3] Group 2: Financial Performance - Tabletki.ua generated LTM EBITDA of USD 24 million and LTM net profit of USD 20 million as of September 30, 2025 [4] - The acquisition price corresponds to a price to LTM earnings (PE) ratio of 8.0X [4] Group 3: Strategic Rationale - The acquisition aims to expand digital healthcare services to a wider customer base, leveraging Kyivstar's experience in digital business [3] - Kyivstar's portfolio includes various digital services such as the Helsi healthcare platform, Uklon ride-hailing, and Kyivstar TV [2] Group 4: Future Investments - Kyivstar, in partnership with VEON, plans to invest USD 1 billion in Ukraine from 2023 to 2027, focusing on infrastructure and technological development [6]

Core Points - Kyivstar is preparing for nationwide testing of SpaceX's Starlink Direct to Cell technology, aiming to enhance connectivity in areas lacking terrestrial service [1][3] - The testing will cover all regions of Ukraine except border areas, active combat zones, and temporarily occupied territories [1] - The National Commission for the state regulation of electronic communications has granted permission for the testing, which will utilize frequencies licensed to Kyivstar [2] Group 1 - The technology is expected to be particularly beneficial during prolonged blackouts and in hard-to-reach areas, including frontline and de-occupied regions [3][4] - Kyivstar plans to involve subscribers and business clients in the testing, aiming to ensure uninterrupted connectivity and resilient business operations [3][4] - The testing will be conducted under real-world conditions to assess the technology's effectiveness across various scenarios, while maintaining compliance with safety standards [4] Group 2 - The Starlink Direct to Cell technology allows standard 4G-capable smartphones to connect directly to satellites, eliminating the need for terrestrial base stations [5] - Initially, the SMS feature will be available for outdoor use only, with future stages expected to introduce voice calls and mobile internet capabilities [5] - By the end of 2025, all Ukrainians are anticipated to begin testing this technology, which is part of Kyivstar's broader investment strategy of USD 1 billion in telecommunications advancements from 2023 to 2027 [5][6]

Core Viewpoint - Kyivstar is undertaking a large-scale network modernization project aimed at enhancing service quality, expanding 4G capacity, and preparing for 5G rollout throughout 2025-2026 [1][2]. Group 1: Network Modernization - The modernization project includes replacing outdated equipment, updating radio modules, and implementing technical measures to improve infrastructure and customer experience [1][3]. - The focus is on telecom sites with the highest traffic, which will lead to increased network capacity and faster data transmission speeds [3][4]. - Initial results show an average increase of about 30% in data transfer speed and roughly 50% in network capacity at upgraded sites [4]. Group 2: Service Quality and Recognition - The modernization efforts are expected to deliver substantially higher service quality and unlock new opportunities for customers [2]. - Kyivstar has been recognized as Ukraine's Best Mobile Network by Ookla, receiving awards for Best Mobile Coverage, Fastest Mobile Network, and Best Mobile Network based on H2 2024 and H1 2025 results [6]. Group 3: Investment and Future Plans - Kyivstar Group, in collaboration with VEON, has committed to investing USD 1 billion in Ukraine from 2023 to 2027, focusing on infrastructure, technology development, and strategic acquisitions [8][9]. - The company serves approximately 22.4 million mobile subscribers and over 1.1 million fixed-line internet customers as of June 30, 2025 [9].

Core Viewpoint - VEON Ltd. announces the acquisition of Uklon group, a leading Ukrainian ride-hailing and delivery platform, by its subsidiary Kyivstar, marking an expansion into digital consumer services and reinforcing confidence in Ukraine's digital growth potential [1][4][7]. Company Overview - VEON is a global digital operator serving nearly 160 million customers across six countries, focusing on technology-driven services that empower individuals and drive economic growth [9]. - Kyivstar is Ukraine's largest digital operator, with over 23 million mobile subscribers and more than 1.1 million Home Internet fixed line customers as of December 2024 [10]. - Uklon, founded 15 years ago, is the largest ride-hailing player in Ukraine, operating in 27 cities and uniting over 100,000 driver-partners [2][11]. Acquisition Details - Kyivstar will acquire 97% of Uklon shares for a total consideration of USD 155.2 million, with Uklon CEO Serhii Hryshkov expected to remain in his position [3]. - The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions and approvals [3]. Strategic Importance - The acquisition is seen as a strategic investment in Ukraine's digital economy, complementing Kyivstar's existing digital services such as Helsi and KyivstarTV [4]. - Uklon has facilitated over 100 million rides and more than 3 million deliveries in 2024, indicating its significant market presence [2]. Future Prospects - VEON plans to explore the expansion of Uklon's capabilities beyond Ukraine and Uzbekistan, leveraging its digital operators in Kazakhstan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh [4]. - VEON has committed to investing USD 1 billion in Ukraine's digital future between 2023 and 2027, including partnerships to enhance connectivity [7]. Market Position - Uklon is recognized as a technology pioneer in ride-hailing and has successfully entered the delivery business, showcasing rapid organic development [6]. - The acquisition is expected to enhance Kyivstar's ability to offer digital experiences to millions of Ukrainians [5].

Core Viewpoint - VEON Ltd. and Cohen Circle Acquisition Corp. I have signed a business combination agreement that will lead to the listing of JSC Kyivstar on the Nasdaq Stock Market, marking a significant milestone for Ukraine's economic future and providing international investors with access to the Ukrainian market [1][4][5]. Company Overview - Kyivstar is Ukraine's largest digital operator, serving over 24 million customers with fixed and mobile communication services [8][10]. - The company has a strong consumer digital service portfolio, including a healthcare platform with over 28 million registered patients and a streaming platform with 2 million monthly active users [8]. - Kyivstar plans to invest USD 1 billion into new telecom technologies in Ukraine from 2023 to 2027 [10]. Business Combination Details - Following the business combination, Kyivstar Group will be listed on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol KYIV, with VEON retaining a minimum of 80% ownership [2]. - The transaction assigns a pro-forma valuation of USD 2.21 billion to Kyivstar at closing [8]. - The business combination is expected to close in Q3 2025, pending shareholder approval and customary closing conditions [2][20]. Management Commentary - VEON's Chairman emphasized that Kyivstar's listing will be a defining moment for Ukraine's economic future and a unique opportunity for global investors [4]. - The CEO of VEON highlighted Kyivstar's strong financial profile and governance structure, which are expected to attract international investors [5]. - Kyivstar's CEO noted the company's resilience during the war and its commitment to rebuilding Ukraine's infrastructure [6]. Advisors - Rothschild & Co is acting as the lead financial advisor to VEON, while BTIG, LLC and Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. are also involved as capital markets advisors [9].